ALBUM REVIEW: Destructo – Demonic Possession

Dutch Black-Thrashers DESTRUCTO are due to unleash their debut album via Dying Victims Production and Wolves Of Hades Records on November 19th.

Bleak guitars and crashing cymbals start the record off with a funereal atmosphere that builds gradually to a more soaring yet still ultimately blackened sound. Kicking into a thrashing assault of blasting drums and maniacal riffing with a bestial snarl, the albums mood abruptly changes into an eruption of malevolent violence. Calling to mind the likes of Vulcano, Sodom and very early Bathory, what is not to adore about such old school carnage? There is a healthy amount of melody injected into the diabolical songwriting which is enough to give it that good old Heavy Metal feeling while not detracting from the devastating extremity of the record. Blistering solos add huge amounts of frantically shredded and skilful playing to the mix with clearly abundant talents from their resident axe-man. A new entity to me, it can be said their first impression is a superb one.

Unfaltering, the scourge of savagery does not relent in delivering totally ferocious Black-Thrash. The upbeat drums give us a fairly reliable blend of blast beats and d-beats to ensure an energetic and obliterating backbone to the masterfully demonic riffing and soloing with crunchy bass just cutting through the riffs tastefully. Meanwhile the shared vocalist duties enter a possessed state by offering sheer, blunt and rapid incantations of demonic fury. The blend of more bestial assaults and pleasantly headbang-able grooves makes this a high-octane and adrenaline packed listen without feeling obtuse. This is true Extreme Metal in every sense of the term, from an unapologetic old school sound to the venomous vocals and undeniably vitriolic instruments, through to a minimalist production and insanely cool band photo. All of this could be completed by no other than artistic master Rok with one of his easily identified paintings of morbidity. I ask again, what is not to love (at least for a Heavy Metal maniac on the more lunatic end of the sonic spectrum)?

Fast, fierce and yet dynamic. This is a slick cut of Extreme Metal barbarity that does justice to the greats while keeping you on your toes with volatile musicianship and a crushingly passionate delivery from this trio of madmen. Essential!